Florida school apologizes for students stomping on papers with 'Jesus' written on them

Spokespeople for Florida Atlantic University issued an apology Wednesday for an incident in which students were instructed to stomp on papers which had ‘Jesus’ written on them.

"Florida Atlantic University is deeply sorry for any hurt that this incident may have caused the community and beyond," wrote Lisa Metcalf, the school's director of media relations, according to NBC. "As an institution of higher learning, we embrace open discourse in our classrooms, but with that comes a level of responsibility. The exercise was insensitive and hurtful; it will not be used again."

Florida’s Governor Rick Scott expressed disappointment over the incident, which took place in the intercultural communications class of Dr. Deandre Poole on March 4, according to the Sun Sentinel.

Also expressing disappointment and outrage were religious leaders. One of them, Rev. Mark Boykin, plans to lead a march from his church to condemn the incident.

"We find this to be unconscionable, completely unprofessional and unacceptable," he said.

One student, Ryan Rotela, refused to partake in the assignment and claims that he was punished for it.

"We apologize to all of our students and the community and people beyond the community who felt it was too sensitive," said FAU’s senior vice president of student affairs Dr. Charles Brown, who claims that Rotela was never up for punishment.

The statement also claimed that students were given the option to participate in the exercise.